The OUTstanding Cities of Italy

Welcome to OUTstanding Italy! Needs no introduction, and speaks for itself, it is one of the most beautiful, authentic and romantic countries in Europe if not the whole world. The food, the culture, the passion, the amazing history in both arts and culture, it is a country you must visit with your friends and loved ones! We made a list of the top great cities in different provinces for you to check out and explore. Get your bags and lets travel gay Italy.

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Florence

The capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, right in the center of the country, home to the most amazing creations from the Renaissance era and forward, amazing restaurants, views, tours, and a beautiful and romantic vibe of the old times. Florence is filled with amazing structures and buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Vecchio (a 13th -century palace) and so on. As for the shopping, you would be surprised by the amount of the fashion and high couture stores, and due to the fact that the Polimoda Fashion School is located there, there are many markets full of masterpieces and antiques. Florence is extremely gay friendly and the gay community is a large part of the creative and social part of Florence, and for those who love fabrics, art and fashion, this is the place for you!

In general, the Tuscany region is a must visit for all of the recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, for the rugged Apennine Mountains, the island of Elba and the beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the beautiful olive groves and vineyards of Chianti.

Rome

Italy’s capital, a beautiful metropolitan full of arts, fashion, history, night life, food and culture. Considered to be the capital of the world, it’s a must visit city for all of it’s splendor. First the ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum which really evoke the ancient Roman Empire, the also the outstanding Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church which is the home of the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. In Rome you can see the masterpieces of Michelangelo in fresco and much more.

As for the night life, Rome doesn’t lack in gay bars, attractive and fun gay streets, gay saunas and cruises as well. Even though Italy is one of the worst countries in Western Europe for gay rights, it doesn’t mean that the LGBT+ community is not welcome and not living comfortably. Rome is very liberal and welcoming and you definitely can’t miss a visit to the beautiful Rome.

Milan

THE PLACE TO BE! Milan is a fast-paced, in your face, fashion forward city that welcomes all the LGBT+ community with open arms and a huge excitement! Milan is very well known for it’s avant-garde life style, of course it’s history is rich and beautiful, but Milan is considered the future of Italy and a metropolis for creation, fashion, design and extravagant food. As for the night life and mingling, there is an abundance of fabulous gay parties, clubs, hyper-masculine clubs, and cruise spaces. It is very recommended to visit Milan during June for the Gay Pride, even though pride is celebrated there all through the
year.

Lake Como

Lake Como is an upscale resort area in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, not far from Milan (Day trips from Milan to Lake Como are available), set against the foothills of the Alps. This place has dramatic scenery and a very luxurious feel. The lake itself is shaped as an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio and at the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, where you can enjoy Renaissance art and architecture and a funicular that takes you up to the mountain town of Brunate. In the different areas of the lake you may find beautiful and elegant lake side villas, renaissance residences , celebrity restaurants, and also maybe you’ll bump into George Clooney while there.

Sicily

The largest Mediterranean Island , located at the tip or the “toe” of the “boot” of Italy. This island is packed with rich history and amazing architecture from the Doric- style Greek temples and the Byzantine Mosaics at the Capella Palatina. On the western side of Sicily you may find beautiful vineyards and on the southern side enjoy beautiful beaches. The main cities of Sicily are Palermo, Catania and Toarmina, which are more gay-friendly and more accepting, with more activities and tourists. On the eastern side of the Island right on the edge is Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes, which you may visit on an organized tour. Sicily is full of picturesque villages and quiet getaways that you and your partner or friends can escape to and explore!

Venice

Venice is the capital of the Veneto Region of Italy, located in the northern part of Italy and also needs absolutely no introduction. This magical city is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Made up of only canals, no roads, Including the Grand Canal which you can walk over on the Rialto Bridge. Around the Grand Canal there are Renaissance and Gothic palaces, beautiful canal front restaurants and shops and of course the central square , St. Mark’s Square or Piazza San Marco, there you will see St. Mark’s Basilica which is tiled with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Also a wonderful viewing spot is the Campanile bell tower where you get to see the city’s red roofs. Venice is extremely romantic, of course you must take a ride on the gondola and experience the romance and passion in the air. Venice is also very gay friendly and has some great gay bars, night clubs and sauna.

Naples

A beautiful city in the southern part of Italy, sitting on the Bay of Naples, nearby the famous Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed the city of Pompeii. Naples is dating back to over 2,000 B.C and is full of amazing ancient architecture such as the city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro and the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo from the 13thcentury. Naples is also believed to be the birthplace of our beloved food, PIZZA!, home to amazing frescos from the Renaissance and the Neapolitan Baroque movements and Caravaggio. The gay life in Naples is great, very welcoming and interesting. There are plenty of gay and gay friendly bars, clubs and sexy parties. It is a beautiful and romantic city to visit and a must for the food, adventure and culture.

Dolomites

The Dolomites is an outstanding place to visit for those who like to hike and some physical activity. It’s a breathtaking mountain range located in the northeastern part of Italy. The range is a part of the Southern Limestone Alps and extended from the River Adige in the west to the Piave Valley in the east. Both northern and southern borders are defined by the Puster and the Sugana Valleys. In that area there are countless attractions, lakes, and a very nice city of Bolzano. There are different hikes that you are able to take to the different mountains in that area with latitudes of over 2 kilometers. A must see for everyone, even for those who don’t like much physical activity, it is an amazing view and definitely a breath of fresh mountain air!

Sorrento

A beautiful, picturesque coastal town in the southwest part of Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. The town is all located on cliffs which separate the town from the busy marinas. Sorrento is the home of our beloved Italian lemon liquor, Limoncello, amazing water views and includes a historic center through narrow alleys. You may also visit the 14thcentury church, Chiesa di San Francesco. Sorrento is gay-friendly but doesn’t have specific bars or clubs, however it is a very romantic and definitely steep town that has amazing and friendly locals, food and a great Italian vibe. Must visit for sure!